What does keeping dirty fingernails mean for leaders?
It’s the idea I picked up from the leadership at Ashley Furniture.
They believe that leaders need to stay close to the action—hands-on, engaged, and unafraid to get messy.
Leading from a distance isn’t enough. When you’re in the thick of things, you notice opportunities for improvement and innovation.
And like an artist’s studio, leadership can be messy—but that’s where creativity thrives.
To be a great leader, take a front-row seat in your business. Stay involved, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty.
The next 20 feet.
Leading in uncertain times is like driving through dense fog—you can only see 20 feet ahead.
Stopping out of fear leaves you stuck, and rushing ahead blindly puts you at risk.
The key is to focus on the immediate steps while keeping an eye on the horizon.
This is where leaders with dirty fingernails thrive.
By staying close to the action, they can adapt to changing conditions and make steady progress.
Leadership isn’t about waiting for perfect clarity; it’s about moving forward, 20 feet at a time, and staying ready for what lies ahead.
This dish isn’t very good.
We’re surrounded by brands claiming to be the best at everything, but Aunt Dai’s Chinese Restaurant in Montreal does the opposite.
The owner’s honest menu comments—like “this dish isn’t that good” or “this one is too dry”—create a refreshing, authentic connection with customers.
The lesson for leaders? Don’t hide behind puffery.
Take a front-row seat in your business, stay engaged with what’s really happening, and build trust by being straightforward.
By stepping away from conventional wisdom and embracing honesty, you’ll not only stand out, but you’ll also cultivate genuine loyalty.
The one-year test.
Stressful times magnify the little things—a missed Zoom, an irritable client, or a boss’s unnecessary outburst.
But leaders who stay close to the action know the key to staying grounded: the One Year Test. Simply ask yourself, “Will this matter a year from now?”
It’s a simple but powerful way to gain perspective and avoid getting derailed by the trivial.
Leaders who take a front-row seat in their business know when to let go and focus on what counts.
Use the One Year Test to prioritize what really matters, and you’ll find yourself making better decisions every day.
To your creative success…
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About Josh
Josh Linkner is a New York Times bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, venture capital investor, professional jazz guitarist, and a globally recognized innovation expert. To learn more or to explore a collaboration, visit JoshLinkner.com
